Mercedes-Benz freshens up 2018 GLA-Class family

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic

Nick Tragianis, Driving

Mercedes gives its compact crossover lineup a new look

by
Nick Tragianis | January 8, 2017

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Mercedes-Benz and luxury might be synonymous, but its entry-level lineup – in North America, that’s the B-Class hatchback, the swoopy CLA-Class sedan and GLA-Class crossover – have proven to be exceptionally popular with buyers. Can you blame them? For many, they’re just the right mix of affordability and the reputation the three-pointed star earns. It’s no surprise, then, the German automaker has taken to this year’s North American International Auto Show to debut the freshened-up GLA.

What is it?

Following its debut in 2014, Mercedes-Benz has given its profitable GLA a well-deserved update inside and out. It’s pretty much the industry-standard mid-life refresh; the 2018 GLA features new front and rear fascias, complete with new headlights and tail lights, plus new wheels and a redone rear diffusor and hatch-mounted spoiler on AMG models. There’s a bit more equipment available for 2018, too – LED headlights are available on upper-trim GLA models and standard on the GLA 45, plus a new 360-degree camera is optional. The GLA-Class lineup also benefits from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and automatic emergency braking is standard across the board.

Powertrain options carry over for 2018. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder, pumping out 208 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, remains as the base engine. It’s paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is available. The GLA 45 retains its 375-horsepower 2.0L turbo-four, while a new 184-horsepower four-cylinder is available outside of North America. Speaking of the GLA 45, there’s a new AMG Performance Studio Package, adding yellow accents inside and out, plus matte grey decals and a shouty rear spoiler.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Handout, Mercedes-Benz

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Handout, Mercedes-Benz

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Handout, Mercedes-Benz

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Handout, Mercedes-Benz

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Handout, Mercedes-Benz

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Handout, Mercedes-Benz

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Handout, Mercedes-Benz

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Handout, Mercedes-Benz

Why does it matter?

Despite its positioning as an entry-level model, the GLA is one of Mercedes’ biggest players. Having posted record sales gains in 2016 – compact car sales, including the A- and B-Classes, plus the CLA and GLA, were up 9.3 per cent worldwide – Mercedes has a lot riding on the shoulders of the GLA. Even if the standard GLA isn’t quite the enthusiast’s choice, It might not be the enthusiast’s choice, it’s a licence for Mercedes to print money. Having said that, Mercedes hasn’t forgotten about enthusiasts, either – the GLA45 is, more or less, a hot hatch in disguise.

When is it coming?

The refreshed GLA-Class will go on-sale this summer. Expect pricing to be announced when the weather gets warmer. For what its worth, the outgoing GLA starts at $38,000.

Should you buy it?

If you’re eyeing other entry-level luxury crossovers – say, the Audi Q3, BMW’s X1 and the closely related Infiniti QX30 – the GLA deserves a spot on your shortlist. But consider yourself warned – the cost of those options add up rather quickly.